Texas Honors Top Conservation Heroes: 2025 Lone Star Land Steward Award Winners Announced

Exceptional Texans Recognized for Preserving the State’s Natural Legacy

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has unveiled the winners of the prestigious 2025 Lone Star Land Steward Ecoregion Awards, celebrating landowners and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable land management. This year’s honorees represent a diverse group of stewards who have gone above and beyond to protect Texas' delicate ecosystems.

Why These Awards Matter

The Lone Star Land Steward Awards highlight the critical role private landowners play in preserving Texas' natural heritage. With over 95% of the state’s land in private hands, conservation efforts rely heavily on individuals and groups who implement sustainable practices.

• Habitat Restoration: Winners have revitalized native grasslands, woodlands, and waterways.
• Wildlife Protection: Efforts include safeguarding endangered species like the Texas horned lizard and golden-cheeked warbler.
• Water Conservation: Innovative drought-resistant techniques help sustain vital resources.

The 2025 Ecoregion Winners

This year’s recipients span multiple ecoregions, each excelling in unique conservation strategies:

1. Rolling Plains: A ranch recognized for reversing grassland degradation through rotational grazing.
2. Edwards Plateau: A family-owned property that restored critical juniper-oak habitats.
3. Gulf Prairies & Marshes: A coastal initiative protecting wetlands from erosion and pollution.
4. Trans-Pecos: A desert conservation project reintroducing native plant species.

Public Celebration & Future Impact

The winners will be honored at a special ceremony in Austin, where they’ll share insights into their conservation strategies. TPWD hopes their success stories will inspire other landowners to adopt eco-friendly practices.

"These stewards prove that economic viability and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand," said a TPWD spokesperson. "Their work ensures future generations can enjoy Texas’ natural beauty."

What Do You Think?

• Should the government offer more incentives for private landowners to engage in conservation?
• Is Texas doing enough to protect its endangered species, or are regulations too lenient?
• Could urban development and wildlife conservation coexist better in fast-growing regions?
• Do you think large-scale ranching harms or helps Texas’ ecosystems?
• Would stricter water usage laws benefit or hurt private land conservation efforts?